Baliguda : In a significant development in the fight against corruption, Smt. Prtavati Kumari Devi, former Head Mistress In-charge-cum-Secretary of the SEC Sitapadi Project Upper Primary School under Baliguda Block of Kandhamal district has been found guilty in a vigilance case related to misappropriation of government funds and has been committed to judicial custody.
The judgment was delivered today, 22.11.2025, by the Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani, after a detailed trial based on charges framed by Odisha Vigilance under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(c) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code. The case pertained to the unlawful diversion of government money sanctioned for construction of a school building at Sitapadi, which was allegedly withdrawn and misused without executing the approved infrastructure work.
According to investigation findings, funds released for the development of the school premises were not utilised for the designated purpose, thereby depriving students and the local community of essential educational facilities. The prosecution successfully established that the accused, while holding a position of public trust, deliberately failed to ensure the proper execution of the construction project and instead misappropriated the allocated amount for personal gain.
Upon conviction, the court sentenced Smt. Devi to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a duration of four years. In addition to the custodial sentence, she has also been directed to pay a fine of Rs.50,000. Following the pronouncement of the verdict, the convicted former official was taken into custody and sent to jail to serve the sentence as ordered by the court.
It was also stated that Odisha Vigilance will initiate further administrative action in compliance with prevailing service and pension rules. The department will move the appropriate competent authority for the cessation of pensionary benefits payable to the convicted retired employee, as per legal provisions applicable in such cases.
Officials of the Vigilance Department reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration. They emphasized that stringent action against corrupt practices would continue, particularly in matters involving the misuse of public funds meant for critical social infrastructure like education.
This conviction is being viewed as a stern message to public servants regarding the consequences of financial misconduct and breach of fiduciary responsibility. Vigilance authorities reaffirmed their resolve to uphold integrity in governance and urged citizens to report any instances of corruption or irregularities encountered in public offices.
The department appealed to all stakeholders to support vigilance initiatives and cooperate with investigative agencies in promoting ethical conduct, transparent procedures, and responsible management of public resources across all levels of administration.
